Category: National Parks

7/2/2021

First visit to Yosemite National Park (Trip Report)

A few weeks ago I headed up to Yosemite with my sister for a few days. Despite living in CA my entire life, this was my first time here, and it was her first time as well. So we definitely had a lot we needed to check out.

For those who haven't been following along with my sisters travels, last year she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and has since been travelling in her RV affectionately named Dolly. This was going to be my first time sleeping in Dolly and she was very comfy and welcoming.

I'm also very happy to say that a few weeks after this trip, my sister got some amazing news that her cancer is now in remission. She's not out of the woods yet as there is really no cure for the cancer she has, but the goal is to continue her treatment until there is one.

If you are able, my sisters GoFundMe is funding part of her trip which will over the next 2 months take her from Southern California, up to the Pacific North West, east through some of the upper states and then back to CA in early September for more doctors appointments. You can follow her blog and social media here.

But let's get to some amazing pics from Yosemite! I can't wait to go back!

Written by Gregg Condon

Dolly and "Red Car" (I don't have a fancy name for my car) at our camping spot just outside Yosemite. Oakhurst is a great spot to set up camp outside the park for sure!

On day one we entered the park through the South Entrance

Our first stop

Apparently there was a huge wind storm in January that took out a few trees

But it was still absolutely gorgeous

Fun with camera settings

We met a friend

When a tree falls down on a trail, you improvise

Our next stop was Glacier Point, but we stopped at a few places along the way. Our first view of Half Dome.

Nevada and Vernal Falls

This was my favorite stop of the day for sure

Guessing I was the first person to wear an Avengers Campus opening day shirt to Yosemite

It's a 16 mile drive (each way) to Glacier Point, but TOTALLY worth it

Yosemite falls

Heading down to the valley, we stopped at Tunnel view. We got to see El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.

Sadly this was as close as we'd get to Bridalveil Falls. Next time.

Can think of worse places to enjoy an afternoon snack.

On Day 2 we drove around to the Arch Rock entrance. It took a bit longer to get into the park, but getting to the valley where we were spending most of our day was actually easier this way.

Amazing views everywhere you look

Yosemite Valley

We next headed over to hike up to Vernal Falls, and got some great views of the Merced River.

I think Glacier Point is somewhere up there

Watch for bears

Already looking at possibly doing the 3-day hike from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley next year.

Unfortunately my sister couldn't make it up to Vernal Falls, something about having a whole bunch of cancer in your bones. But it was still absolutely gorgeous.

Our last stop in Yosemite Valley was of course Yosemite Falls

The upper and lower falls. The drought conditions have made them rather tame right now.

Before heading back out through the South Entrance, we took a little drive up to Half Dome View.

And we're glad we did.

Before heading out we stopped in Wawona, which is in the park, but people actually live there.

We had an amazing 2 days in Yosemite, we saw a lot, but there is still so much more to explore! Hope you enjoyed the pics!

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First visit to Yosemite National Park (Trip Report)

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